La Bocana

I've been thinking about the Great Egret

2009-10-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

A little while ago, a few of us decided that the Pelican was the Official Bird of La Bocana. It was a unanimous vote and seemed like the obvious choice. The pelicans are spectacular and I remember one awesome afternoon when somewhere near 1,000 pelicans flew by in 30 minutes. My jaw was open the whole while I tired to keep count. Even if I never saw another pelican again in La Bocana, that one incident would have let me to give the pelicans the vote.

However, I am now older and perhaps wiser, or maybe not wiser though I am definitely older, and I've been thinking about that beautiful white long necked creature that stalks the lagoon and flies so gracefully through the valley. I sometimes see one on the kelp just off shore - standing very still while waiting for an opportunity to grab something to eat.

A few weekends ago, I watched one walk awkwardly yet beautifully through the lagoon, contorting its long neck for the best view into the shallow water and every so often jabbing its beak into the water and coming up with a little fish to eat. I could have watched it for hours. And that is when I thought that I, and all of us, should take a good look at the Great Egret.

Here is some information from the book Birds of North America:

The Great Egret has white plumage, a yellow bill, and black feet and legs. Adults birds stand up to 41 inches with a 55 inch wingspan and incredibly, weigh about 2 pounds. They prefer to feed in open areas from salt marshes to freshwater habitats and fly to communal nests in trees at night. They feed on a wide variety of small aqautic animals and other animals found in wetlands including fish, frogs, snakes, crayfish, and large insects. They are monogamous and live in colonies, usually with other species of herons, egrets, and similar species.

The incubation period is 23 to 26 days and the young stay in the nest for 21 days. Both Ma and Pa feed the young. Only one brood per year and they have 1 to 6 pale blue-green eggs per brood. The nests are in trees or shrubs, usally 10 to 40 feet above ground.

In the US, they are a protected species. In the late 1800s, they were decimated as they were hunted for their plumage. The book says that they should "winter" in northern Baja but I seemed to see them year round.

Let's look at some photos:

Great Weekend in La Bocana

2009-10-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

The weather was fantastic. Wish you all could have been there!

Cathy, this is for you

2009-10-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is for Cathy and everyone who lives in Northern La Bocana - I drove by the new water tank today and is was nearly full!

The Lt. Commander's Daughter Reports In

2009-09-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Divina, daughter of Dallas and Emily, visited La Bocana with some friends and she sent this report:

We visited the first week of April and actually arrived on April Fools Day, Ibelieve. It was me and three of my friends ( Mandy Fessler, Brad Fessler,and Carrie Ragland). They are all from Ohio and had never been to the west coast.

Upon arriving in La Bocana we were immediately met by the official greeting committee of Mike,Tank and Rocco (three dogs). They all wanted to know who the four strangers were invading the commanders house.

We had many nights sitting around the fire,watching the sunset while giggling (due to the Berringer that my parents had supplied). We visited many of the beaches, took long walks on the trails, had the pleasure of meeting Canaro, and ate some fresh lobster.

I also had the pleasure of falling in the water while exploring the rocks......my camera took a dive with me and all my dad could do was laugh. That wasn't the only time I fell either.....I also slipped when coming back up the bank with my body board...we just had to laugh and compare myself toBella from the Twilight books....quite clumsy....now if I could only find my Edward shimmering in the sunlight I would be all set!

La Boufadora, shopping, wild horses.....mountains behind and the ocean ahead. I have never seen anything like it. So now I understand why my parents sold the house I grew up in and persued this dream house in this place in the middle of Mexico. We miss it already and are planning to all come back next year.

If Brad and Mandy had their way, they would own the house two down from my parents already.

Here are some photos from our adventure:

Article on Baja Norte

2009-07-24T17:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-07-23/lifestyle/adam-behar-the-changing-face-of-baja-norte

New York Times article about our beloved whales

2009-07-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/magazine/12whales-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

House for Sale in La Bocana

2009-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

Two bedroom 900' casita plus a covered porch and 600' work shop/garage right on the Pacific Ocean in La Bocana, Mexico. Large, eat in kitchen with range and oven, microwave and reverse osmosis water filter. Hot water heater, wind generator, solar panel, 8 batteries, and a back up Onan 4000 kw propane generator. The house sits high looking down on a secluded beach. Lot is 60' from the ocean. Home only is for sale; the land is leased. The buyer will need to sign a new lease with the landowner. La Bocana is very secluded, 14 miles down a gravel road (well traveled). Other Americans homeownders are near by, some full time and some part time residents. Directions: Hwy 1 South from Ensenada, turn right when you see the Santo Tomas winery on your left. Go west until you see the ocean - the house is the first one on the left. For more information, e-mail: ecbjbb@msn.com

Asking Price: $69,500.

For more photos and more information: http://www.viviun.com/AD-82994/

Agave or Century Plant

2009-01-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Joe's mom would wait for years to see one of the century plants bloom in her garden. So lucky are we to take our morning walk in La Bocana and see literally hundreds of these regal plants in bloom.

Here is some information about the Century or Agave plant:

The name agave comes from the Greek word agavos, meaning noble or admirable, and this group of plants has lived up to its name. There is archeological evidence that humans have used agaves for at least 9,000 years, baking the leaves in pits for food and using the fibers and stalks to make everything from rope to clothing to weapons.

The Agave americana is often called the century plant because was reputed to bloom only once in 100 years, but that's an exaggeration. It does only bloom once in its lifetime, but usually between 7 and 20 years. The main plant then dies, but most species produce shoots that will take over and grow to maturity. Beautiful flower spikes reach for the sky in many, including the Century Plant Agave americana which can have a bloom spike up to 40 feet (12 meters) high!

Perhaps one of the best known uses for agave is the production of tequila, which has long been a vital industry in Mexico. Tequila is made from the fermented and distilled juices, called aquamiel or "honey water," produced by the agave just before it flowers. In 1999, Mexico exported some 21 million gallons (80 million liters) of tequila to the United States, and the current annual value of these exports is about 200 million dollars. In fact, the agave plants grown on plantations are so valuable that they must be protected from agave rustlers!

The excerpt is from: www.sandiegozoo.org/CF/plants/species_detail.cfm?ID=3

Photo taken by Joe Darrough

Caption Contest

2009-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

If a highfalutin magazine like The New Yorker can have a caption contest, so can we. Joe took this photo over by Dallas and Emily's house. Maggie is our little dog and Mikey, Rocko, and Chuckita are the dogs that hang out (and are cared for) by Dallas and Emily. I thought it was a funny photo. If you think of a funny caption, click on comments (below) and share it with us.

My suggestion is:

"Red Rover Red Rover, send Maggie right over"

Society Page - New Year's Eve Gala Extravaganza

2009-01-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve, the finest of La Bocana society gathered together for their annual reapas partage'.

Hosted at the residence of Sharon and Joseph Darrough (a classic example of early La Bocana charmant cabine architecture designed by former owner Chuck Schmuck and built by the late Romulo Gomez), the high society of La Bocana sent food from their executive chefs to create a wonderful meal of beans and rice.

Emily Smith, wife of Lt. Commander Dallas Smith, served as the honorary chair of the Gala Extravaganza. In addition to the Smiths and the Darroughs, in attendance were: Cathy and Paula of Albuquerque, Jerry and Susan of Ventura, Kevin and Margery of Maine, John (JB) and Elaine of Arizona, Carol of San Diego, her sister Linda of San Diego and Washington, Kiko and his son Omar of La Bocana, and Ben and Brenda of San Diego.

The women made this magical evening glow with the glistening of their sequins, diamonds, pearls, fleece, denim, and Ugg boots, while the men looked dapper in their black formal wear from L.L. Frijole of Maneadero.

This marvelous portion of the evening ended with a champagne toast, the opening of British Party Crackers (thank you Cathy and Paula) (those Party Crackers explain the funny hats in the photos posted earlier) (in case anyone was wondering), and a multimedia presentation highlighting life at the Poussiéreux* et Venteux** Resort of La Bocana.

*Dusty **Windy

Society Page - New Year's Eve Grand Finale

2009-01-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

The guests of the Gala Extravaganza adjourned at midnight (La Bocana time) for the Grand Finale at the Casa de Artura, the beautiful home of Art and Jennifer Smith (no relation to the Lt. Commander and his wife). There, the guests joined Art, Jennifer, Tristan and Tanyon of Fallbrook, Carrie, Dan, Max, and Dillon of Santa Monica, Merlinda, Ernie, Vincent, and Andrew of Fullerton, and Mark, Edie, Cameron, and Kylie of California.

The finale opened with the traditional igniting of a Christmas tree down at the cove followed by a spectacular, awe inspiring series of fireworks, surpassing the shows at Disneyland and Times Square.

A good time was had by all and 2009 received a proper welcome!

Society Page - New Year's Day Male Retreat Especial

2009-01-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Day, a special retreat for the men of La Bocana took place at the Lt. Commander's house where loyal Trojan fans watched USC triumph over Penn State. In attendance were Lt. Commander Smith, Ernie, Vincent, and Andrew of Fullerton, John (JB) of Arizona, and Joe of Poway.

Fight On.

The women of La Bocana had better things to do.

New Year's Eve Grand Finale

2009-01-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks Art and Jennifer for inviting us all over to enjoy your hospitality and the firework show.

Let me know if I got any names wrong. We looked and looked but were not able to find Linda and Kiko in this photo. I think they were out of frame or behind a tall person. We're sorry. We'll get you next year!

Click on photo to enlarge.

La Bocana New Year's Eve Gala Extravaganza!

2009-01-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who showed up at the Kennedy-Darrough house and enjoyed a wonderful New Year's Eve in La Bocana. Report from the society page editor to follow in a few days.

Click on photo to make larger.

Happy New Year to One and All

2009-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you Art and Mark for a spectacular welcome to 2009!
(click on photo to make larger)

Sentri Lane Info

2008-12-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Sentri Lane Directions and Info: http://www.sentripasslane.blogspot.com/

La Bocana Society Page

2008-09-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, La Bocana residents were fortunate to be invited to an enchanted evening of a gourmet sushi dinner hosted by the distinguished Lt. Commander Dallas Smith and his lovely wife, Sushi Master Chef Emily Smith. The guest list included long time residents Jack and Marlyn Byrd, Cathy Lydon and Paula Crawford who were summering in La Bocana, and Joseph Darrough without his better half, Sharon.

The evening started with a surprise announcement that Emily Smith had been trained as a Sushi Master Chef during her multitude of visits to Japan. She proceeded to enlighten her guests with a skillful display of the preparation of a variety of tantalizing delights using snapper, shrimp, mackerel, and salmon. Then, the guests were all invited to learn the craft of sushi making. Jack and Marlyn learned with skill and depth. Cathy and Paula, after struggling with following directions, picked up the craft after the third round of Saki. Unfortunately, Mr Darrough had no chance of becoming successful and just mooched off the other guests.

The Commander was stunningly dressed in a designer outfit from the exclusive men's clothier Magasin D'économie in San Diego. Emily was appropriately dressed in Master Sushi chef attire accented with a manolo blahniks. Mr. Darrough was dressed in such a casual way that guests commented that he looked bon marché.

Bon appetit!

Photos by Paula Crawford

This Beautiful Bird

2008-07-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, the pelican has been voted the Official Bird of La Bocana*.

Many pelicans have been landing and taking a breather at the lagoon lately. They are a sight to see, with their awkward landings. I tried to get a picture of a splayed legged pelican making his final descent, but there were no incoming pelicans the day I brought my camera. I did stalk this guy for a while and watched him preen himself.

Let's get to know our official bird the Brown Pelican:

Size: 39-54 inches
Wingspan: 6 - 8 feet
Weight: 70.6-176.5 ounces (roughly 4 to 11 pounds)
Official Name: Pelecanus occidentalis

Unique among the world's eight species of pelicans, the Brown Pelican is found along the ocean shores and not on inland lakes. It is the only dark pelican, and also the only one that plunges from the air into the water to catch its food.

The nest location varies from a simple scrape on the ground on an island to a bulky stick nest in a low tree. These birds nest in colonies, usually on islands.

After nesting, the birds move in flocks further north along the coasts, returning to warmer waters for winter. Their young are hatched in broods of about 3, and eat around 150 lbs. of fish in the 8-10 month period they are cared for.

Unlike most birds, which warm their eggs with the skin of their breasts, pelicans incubate their eggs with their feet. They hold the eggs under the webs that stretch from the front toes to the hind toe, essentially standing on the eggs to warm them. This peculiar incubation method made them vulnerable to the effects of the pesticide DDT. The DDT made the eggshells thin, and the incubating parents frequently cracked their eggs.

Normal pelicans can live more than 30 years.

*I'm sorry if you weren't there for the vote - it was kind of an impromptu election held on the bluff above rock beach. If you have another bird to nominate, please submit it for the next round of elections to be held... well, I'm not sure when but I'm pretty sure the polling place will remain the same.

It's not too late

2008-03-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

The flowers are still in bloom - it's incredibly beautiful. And I didn't think it could get any more beautiful there.

Photos by Lucy Holman.

Miss these guys?

2008-02-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

2008-02-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

Imagine this sunset with some whale spouts and then you will know what it was like in La Bocana this past week!

Photo submitted by Carol

Senor Tortilla and Lisa Marie

2008-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

Two friends visited La Bocana with us last weekend. Before leaving San Diego, we looked at this blog and I showed them Margery's beautiful photo of the wild horses. Lisa Marie was immediately taken by the idea of seeing the wild horses while we were in La Bocana. Joe and I explained that we have only seen them few times over the years and each of those times, they were far up on a ridge.

We arrived on a Saturday and talk of seeing the wild horses persisted all weekend. On Sunday evening, Lisa Marie and Nancy decided that the next morning, they would hike up the road over the hill behind the fishing village (where there is often a guard) as that was where Joe and I saw the horses in December. We stressed that the horses could be anywhere in the valley and it would probably be a fruitless endeavor. And we planned to leave on Monday morning. I suggested that we all think positive thoughts and encourage the horses to come to us so we don't have to go on a wild horse chase.

Sunday night, we didn't shut the gate to our property since we hadn't seen any cows around and we were planning to leave the next morning. And, well, we were feeling a little lazy.

Monday am, Joe woke up early to take photos of the blooming flowers and what did he see?

A horse in our yard! Joe ran in to get us and we all went out to see the horse. Was it a wild horse? We didn't know.

Lisa Marie grew up with horses and she decided to investigate. Armed with a head of romaine lettuce, she proceeded to inch closer and closer to the horse.

This took more than an hour. She saw that the horse was un-shoed, unbrushed, and the tail/mane was not trimmed. There was no brand or tag on the horse. Eventually, Lisa Marie was able to pet the horse.

He even seemed to like it. Note the white dot on his forehead. She coaxed him out of the yard and shut the gate. We named him Senor Tortilla.

After cleaning and packing up, we had about 45 minutes until we had to hit the road. We decided to drive over to the port and perhaps take a short hike up the hill to see the view. On the way there, Lisa Marie shouted, "Look! There's Senor Tortilla!" Sure enough, there was a horse up on the ridge.

We parked the truck and went up the hill with Lisa Marie running ahead of us.

As she neared the top, she saw several horses. She waited for the rest of us to catch up. We turned the corner and what do we see? 10 beautiful animals, including Senor Tortilla. Nine horses and one burro.

The horses wouldn't let us get close but Senor Tortilla stayed at the tail end of the group, often looking back at his new friend Lisa Marie. Eventually, they all went over the hill.

Could Disney have written a better horse story?

And yes, we did call Lisa Marie the Horse Whisperer.

Kayaking in the river

2008-02-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen it this green?

2008-02-21T19:51:00.001-08:00

January Showers Bring February Flowers

2008-02-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

Bocana is GREEN and full of FLOWERS! If you can get down there any time soon, you will be amazed at the transformation our little piece of paradise has made. Here are some photos to give you an idea:

Click on a photo to make it larger.

Photos taken by Nancy O'Brien, Lisa Marie Bader, Joe Darrough, and Sharon Darrough